Hernandez Warren pleads guilty to murder

2 years ago

(Cleveland) - Fifty-nine year old Hernandez Warren pleaded guilty to a 30 year old cold case rape and murder.

Gloria Pointer’s body was found in the stairwell of a building on East 105th Street, just hours after she left for school back in 1984.

Handcuffed and shackled, but wearing a dark brown suit, yellow shirt and no tie, Warren read a statement in Cuyahoga County Common Pleas Court, confessing to the 1984 rape and murder of the 14 year old middle school student.

Warren apologized to the family, said he was responsible for the sexual assault and murder. Holding back tears, Warren said, "I'm the one to blame, I am truly sorry."

Warren was arrested in April 2013 when investigators said DNA evidence linked the repeat offender to the crime.

Gloria Pointer's mother Yvonne Pointer told Newsradio WTAM 1100, that Warren’s confession does not bring closure, but she is happy that her family did not have to bear the burden of suffering through a long trial.

By pleading guilty Warren likely avoids the death penalty, but will probably spend the rest of his life behind bars, and would not be eligible for parole until he serves 30 years in prison.

A three judge panel will make the final decision on his sentence Friday at 10am. Members of the victim’s family are not happy with the delay, they wanted Warren sentenced immediately.